Montcalm East, Autograph Collection

The staff of the Montcalm East is really wonderful and easy to work with in advance, and that level of service is even better in person. Every single individual we interacted with was wonderful, but in particular Tiana at the front desk, was welcoming and engaging each time we saw her, remembering our names and doing everything possible to make sure our stay was outstanding. The Guest Experience Team also went above and beyond to make a teen birthday special, and the concierge (aka Head Curator) team was also excellent at providing advice and assistance when medical care was needed for a guest on a weekend. The rooms are modern and well sized for London standards. The couch in the junior suite pulls out to a bed - and with it open it's pretty tight to move around, but when returned to a couch it is really a generously sized space with adequate room for another chair for lounging. The windows have generous blackout curtains, perfect for sleeping in. The higher level rooms have a good view across the city, albeit the windows are angled and a bit oddly shaped in some cases due to the modern design of the hotel exterior - but nothing problematic about that really. The heated bathroom floors were such a terrific touch, and the lighting over the sink is a large ring light making the bathroom well lit. There are a lot of updated electronics in the room for night lights (under the bed) mood lighting (in the ceiling) and automated do not disturb/housekeeping buttons as well. The breakfast was definitely a step above the typical European buffet, it offers access to fruit, yogurts, pastries, coffee, juices, scrambled eggs, potatoes, beans, etc. by buffet and also a very good selection of made to order breakfast items such as eggs benedict, pancakes, avocado toast, poached eggs and the like. The staff works hard to keep the breakfast items well stocked, and it remains open later than average on weekends (I think it was open until 11:30a). The Shoreditch location provides easy access to local restaurants and shopping without feeling as crowded as some of the more touristy areas, yet with quick/easy access to sights by the tube/metro (roughly 2 blocks away). I did not take advantage of the indoor pool or spa, nor did I have room service, so I can't speak to those facilities. Overall, this was one of 4 hotels on our European adventure, and clearly one of the favorites of my family.